Orrin Hatch: “today the House of Representatives will vote on the Health Care Cost Reduction Act of 2012. I want to say a few words…”

“today the House of Representatives will vote on the Health Care Cost Reduction Act of 2012. I want to say a few words about that bill, which repeals two of the more counterproductive of the many components of the President's health care law. Specifically, it repeals the restrictions on the use of FSAs and HSAs in the purchase of over-the-counter medications, as well as the medical device tax. I want to thank my colleagues in the House for advancing this legislation. Repeal of the onerous OTC restrictions and the device tax are priorities of mine as well. I have introduced legislation that specifically repeals the medical device tax, and my bill--the Family and Retirement Health Investment Act--includes the repeal of the limitations on the purchase of over-the-counter medication. Others in the Senate, including my friend and colleague Senator Hutchison, have also been working to repeal the OTC restrictions. My friends from Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, Senators Brown and Toomey, have been strong advocates for repeal of the medical device tax. I appreciate working with them and all Members who are committed to the repeal of the President's health care law. I appreciate the hard work of Chairman Camp and Speaker Boehner in moving the Health Care Cost Reduction Act through committee and onto the floor. I also want to thank, in particular, my friend Congressman Erik Paulsen of Minnesota for his hard work.…”